QTL analysis for tiller angle in rice

Shoot gravitropism largely affects tiller angle, which determines rice plant architecture. Optimizing tiller angle in rice plants has an important role in maximizing grain production. In this study, we cloned the TILLER ANGLE CONTROL 5 (TAC5) gene underlying the quantitative trait locus (QTL) that regulates the tiller angle by affecting the shoot gravitropic response. Epiallelic variation of TAC5 influenced shoot gravitropism by attenuating Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) accumulation, and consequently, it determined the tiller angle. These results suggest that TAC5 contributes to fine-tuning of rice plant architecture.